In C++, a reference is essentially an alias for another variable. Once a reference is initialized to a variable, it becomes just another name for that variable—any operation on the reference is actually performed on the original variable.
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2025年6月29日星期日
Reference & in C++
2025年6月27日星期五
Reading
congregational: connected with the group of people who belong to a particular church and go there regularly
parishioner: a person living in a parish, especially one who goes to church regularly
by dint of something/of doing something: by means of something
charisma: the powerful personal quality that some people have to attract and impress other people
meld: to combine with something else; to make something combine with something else
The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of sayings spoken by Jesus of Nazareth found in the Gospel of Matthew that emphasizes his moral teachings.
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed of dog that emerged in England from early types of herding dog.
scavenge: (of a person, an animal or a bird) to search through waste for things that can be used or eaten
meander: to bend with curves rather than being in a straight line
slick: having a smooth surface
neat: tidy and in order; carefully done or arranged
Adélie penguin: a gregarious territorial penguin of Antarctica, having a distinctive white ring around the eye
intricate: having a lot of different parts and small details that fit together
trellis: an arrangement that forms or gives the effect of a lattice
lattice: a structure that is made of thin, narrow pieces of wood or metal that cross over each other with spaces that are like diamonds in shape between them, used, for example, as a fence; any structure or pattern like this
sturdy: (of an object) strong and not easily damaged
generalization: a general statement that is based on only a few facts or examples; the act of making such statements
clique: a small group of people who spend their time together and do not allow others to join them
baffle: to confuse somebody completely; to be too difficult or strange for somebody to understand or explain
maddening: making you feel extremely annoyed
worrisome: that makes you worry
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
2025年6月25日星期三
Rational
waver: to be or become weak or unsteady
decadence: behavior, attitudes, etc. that show a fall in standards, especially moral ones, and an interest in pleasure and fun rather than more serious things
gliding: the sport of flying in a glider
coif: to arrange (hair) by brushing, combing, or curling
whitecaps: waves in the sea or ocean with white tops on them
sprinkler: a device with holes in that is used to spray water in drops onto plants, soil or grass
driveway: a wide hard path or a private road that leads from the street to a house
roller skate: a type of boot with two pairs of small wheels attached to the bottom
slam: to crash into something with a lot of force; to make somebody/something crash into something with a lot of force
asphalt: a thick black sticky substance used especially for making the surface of roads
huddle: (of people or animals) to gather closely together, usually because of cold or fear
wail: to make a long, loud, high noise because you are sad or in pain
wrestle: to struggle to deal with something that is difficult
shun: to avoid somebody/something
a case made of plaster of Paris that covers a broken bone and protects it
delirium: an acute mental disturbance characterized by confused thinking and disrupted attention usually accompanied by disordered speech and hallucinations
avail: to make use of something, especially an opportunity or offer
realm: an area of activity, interest or knowledge
superstition: the belief that particular events happen in a way that cannot be explained by reason or science; the belief that particular events bring good or bad luck
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
2025年6月24日星期二
Using objects with vectors
A complex number can be visually represented as a pair of numbers (a, b) forming a vector on a diagram called an Argand diagram, representing the complex plane. Re is the real axis, Im is the imaginary axis, and i is the "imaginary unit", that satisfies i2 = −1.
A complex number can be represented as a vector in the complex plane, where the real part corresponds to the x-coordinate and the imaginary part to the y-coordinate. This allows us to visualize and perform vector operations like addition and subtraction on complex numbers.
In C++, a vector of complex numbers can be created using std::vector and std::complex. The std::complex template class is part of the <complex> header and represents complex numbers with a specified underlying floating-point type (e.g., double, float).
The right shift operator in C++ is written as >> and is used to shift the bits of a number to the right by a specified number of positions. It’s a bitwise operator, meaning it works directly on the binary representation of numbers.
In C++, an iterator is like a smart pointer that allows you to traverse through elements in a container (like vector, list, map, etc.) without knowing the underlying structure. It’s part of the Standard Template Library (STL) and is essential for working with algorithms and containers in a generic way.
Vectors in C++
In C++, a vector is a dynamic array provided by the Standard Template Library (STL). Unlike regular arrays, vectors can automatically resize themselves when elements are added or removed, making them incredibly flexible for managing collections of data.
In C++, an object is an instance of a class, which is a user-defined blueprint for creating data structures that bundle both attributes (variables) and behaviors (functions).
Travel
typewriter: a machine that produces writing similar to print. It has keys that you press to make metal letters or signs hit a piece of paper through a long, narrow piece of cloth covered with ink (= colored liquid).
The IBM Selectric (a portmanteau of "selective" and "electric") was a highly successful line of electric typewriters introduced by IBM on 31 July 1961.
portmanteau word: a word that is invented by combining the beginning of one word and the end of another and keeping the meaning of each. For example motel is a portmanteau word that is a combination of motor and hotel.
cursive: (of handwriting) with the letters joined together
itinerary: a plan of a journey, including the route and the places that you visit
capitol: the building in Washington DC where the US Congress (= the national parliament) meets to work on new laws
"at the wheel" generally means in control or in command, often in a driving or leadership context
thoroughbred: (of an animal, especially a horse) of high quality, with parents that are both of the same type
orchard: DJ[ˋɔ:tʃəd]
adobe: a mixture of mud and straw, dried in the sun and used as a building material
Douglas fir: an evergreen conifer species in the pine family, Pinaceae. It is the tallest tree in the Pinaceae family.
neatly: in a way that is tidy and in order; carefully
geology: the scientific study of the physical structure of the earth, including the origin and history of the rocks and soil of which the earth is made
thrill: a strong feeling of excitement or pleasure; an experience that gives you this feeling
stalactite: a long pointed piece of rock hanging down from the roof of a cave (= a hollow place underground), formed over a long period of time as water containing lime runs off the roof
stalagmite: a piece of rock pointing upwards from the floor of a cave (= a hollow place underground), that is formed over a long period of time from drops of water containing lime that fall from the roof
regale him with: to entertain somebody with stories, jokes, etc.
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
2025年6月20日星期五
The Relationship Between Prebiotics and Probiotics
The relationship between prebiotics and probiotics represents one of the most important partnerships in human health, creating a synergistic system that supports optimal gut function and overall well-being. While these terms are often confused or used interchangeably, they serve distinct yet complementary roles in maintaining digestive health and supporting the immune system.
Understanding the Basic Definitions
Probiotics are live microorganisms—typically bacteria or yeast—that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria help maintain the balance of gut flora and live in synergy with other helpful bacteria in the digestive system. Common probiotic strains include various species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can be found naturally in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir (牛奶酒), sauerkraut(德國泡菜), and kimchi.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. They are specialized plant fibers that act as food for probiotics, supporting their growth and activity within the digestive system. Prebiotics are found in foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, whole grains, and artichokes(菊芋).
The Symbiotic Partnership
The relationship between prebiotics and probiotics is fundamentally symbiotic, with each component enhancing the effectiveness of the other. Prebiotics serve as fuel for probiotics, providing the essential nourishment these beneficial bacteria need to thrive in the gut environment. This partnership ensures that probiotics can survive, multiply, and effectively colonize the digestive tract.
How They Work Together
The synergistic relationship operates through several key mechanisms:
Nutritional Support: Prebiotics travel undigested through the small intestine to the colon, where probiotics ferment them and consume them for energy. This fermentation process is crucial for maintaining viable probiotic populations in the gut.
Enhanced Survival: By providing a steady food source, prebiotics help probiotics survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and establish themselves in the colon. This is particularly important because probiotics are living microorganisms that can be eliminated by exposure to stomach acid, heat, or other adverse conditions.
Metabolic Benefits: When probiotics ferment prebiotics, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These SCFAs serve as important energy sources for intestinal epithelial cells and have beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
The Concept of Synbiotics
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics in a single product or food is called a synbiotic. This approach aims to create a synergistic effect that enhances the survival and activity of probiotics while simultaneously providing the food they need to grow and thrive. Research suggests that synbiotics may be more effective than using probiotics alone, as they optimize the health benefits of both components.
Health Benefits of the Prebiotic-Probiotic Partnership
Digestive Health
The collaboration between prebiotics and probiotics promotes optimal digestive function by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. This balance helps prevent gastrointestinal issues, reduces bloating and gas, and improves bowel movement regularity.
Immune System Support
Approximately 70% of the immune system resides within the gut, making the prebiotic-probiotic relationship crucial for immune function. Together, they strengthen the gut barrier function, help prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream, and regulate immune responses.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
The fermentation of prebiotics by probiotics improves the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This process also supports the production of important vitamins like B12 and K.
pH Regulation
The production of SCFAs through prebiotic fermentation helps lower intestinal pH, creating an environment that is conducive(有助) to beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Mechanisms of Action
Competitive Exclusion
Probiotics compete with harmful bacteria for resources and receptor-binding sites in the gut. When supported by prebiotics, these beneficial bacteria are better equipped to outcompete pathogens and maintain dominance in the gut ecosystem.
Antimicrobial Production
Probiotics produce natural antimicrobial compounds including organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins. The availability of prebiotic substrates enhances this antimicrobial activity, providing additional protection against harmful microorganisms.
Gut Barrier Enhancement
The SCFA production resulting from prebiotic fermentation helps strengthen the intestinal barrier by promoting the synthesis of mucin proteins (黏蛋白) and regulating tight junction proteins. This enhanced barrier function is crucial for preventing "leaky gut" syndrome and maintaining overall gut health.
Optimization Strategies
Dietary Approach
The most effective way to harness the prebiotic-probiotic relationship is through a diverse diet that includes both types of compounds. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented products. Prebiotic sources encompass high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Concentration and Timing
Research indicates that the concentration of prebiotics significantly affects the production of SCFAs by probiotics. The effectiveness of this partnership can also be influenced by factors such as individual gut microbiome composition, diet quality, and overall health status.
Combined Supplementation
For those considering supplements, products that combine both prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) may offer enhanced benefits compared to taking each component separately. However, studies suggest that probiotics obtained from food sources are often more beneficial than those from supplements.
Conclusion
The relationship between prebiotics and probiotics represents a fundamental partnership in human health, where prebiotics serve as the essential fuel that enables probiotics to thrive and provide their numerous health benefits. This symbiotic relationship extends far beyond simple digestion, influencing immune function, mental health, and overall well-being. Understanding and nurturing this partnership through appropriate dietary choices and lifestyle practices is crucial for maintaining optimal gut health and supporting the body's complex microbial ecosystem. As research continues to unveil the intricate (complicated) mechanisms of this relationship, it becomes increasingly clear that both components are essential for achieving and maintaining a balanced, healthy gut microbiome.
perplexity.ai
unforgettable childhood
canal: a long straight passage dug in the ground and filled with water for boats and ships to travel along; a smaller passage used for carrying water to fields, crops, etc.
fjord: a long narrow area of sea between high cliffs
cottage: a small house, especially in the country
fancy: unusually complicated, often in an unnecessary way; intended to impress other people
splash: to make somebody/something wet by making water, mud, etc. fall on them/it
Capture the Flag is a traditional outdoor game. The two teams try to capture each other's flag and return it to their base.
A popsicle is a frozen treat consisting of flavored ice or ice cream on a stick.
wrangler: a cowboy or a cowgirl, especially one who takes care of horses
preside: to lead or be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, etc.
extravaganza: a large, expensive and impressive entertainment
dexterity: skill in using your hands or your mind
athleticism: the quality of being physically strong, fit and active
gunnysack: a large bag made from rough material and used to store flour, potatoes, etc.
A gunny sack race, also known as a sack race, is a fun outdoor game where participants hop inside a sack, typically made of burlap or similar material, and race to the finish line.
A wheelbarrow race is a two-person team activity where one person acts as the "driver" and the other as the "wheelbarrow". The driver holds the other person's ankles, and the "wheelbarrow" walks on their hands while the driver supports them.
Rose Bowl: The Rose Bowl is an American outdoor athletic stadium, located in Pasadena, California, a northeast suburb of Los Angeles.
juggle: to try to deal with two or more important jobs or activities at the same time so that you can fit all of them into your life
pay off: to be successful and bring good results
kaizen: the practice of continuously improving the way in which a company operates
jigsaw: a saw (= a type of tool) with a narrow blade for cutting designs in thin pieces of wood or metal
plywood: board made by sticking thin layers of wood on top of each other
solicit: to ask somebody for something, such as support, money or information; to try to get something or persuade somebody to do something
witty: clever and humorous
fold-out: (of a piece of furniture or a page in a book or magazine) designed to be opened out for use and then folded away again so it can be stored easily
comic strip: a series of drawings inside boxes that tell a story and are often published in newspapers
depict: to describe something in words, or give an impression of something in words or with a picture
gin up: arouse or intensify strong feelings in someone
outrageous: very unusual and intended to shock people slightly
muse: to think carefully about something for a time, ignoring what is happening around you
inscribe: to write or cut words, your name, etc. onto something
cider: an alcoholic drink made from the juice of apples.
The term "Wurlitzer" most commonly refers to The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, an American company known for its musical instruments, particularly jukeboxes and electric pianos.
rink: a specially prepared flat surface of ice, where you can ice-skate
bouquet: DJ[buˋkei] a bunch of flowers arranged in an attractive way so that it can be carried in a ceremony or presented as a gift
carnation: a white, pink, red or yellow flower, often worn as a decoration on formal occasions
wind down; to rest or relax after a period of activity or excitement
ornament: DJ[ˋɔ:nəmənt] an object that is used as decoration in a room, garden, etc. rather than for a particular purpose
reminisce: DJ[͵remiˋnis]
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
2025年6月19日星期四
C++ vs Python
Question: In comparison between studying C++ and python for beginner, what are the advantages and disadvantages of studying them? Is C++ too old-fashioned to study?
Technology
sputnik: a satellite of the type that was put into space by the Soviet Union
jolt: to give somebody a sudden shock, especially so that they start to take action or deal with a situation
exposition: an event at which people, businesses, etc. show and sell their goods
morph: to change, or make somebody/something change, into something different
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
2025年6月18日星期三
Sth abt Pointers
Table salt
Question: I eat table salt more than usual today, is it a good idea to drink more water in order to get rid of it?
When you consume more salt than usual, your body tends to retain water to maintain the proper balance of electrolytes in your bloodstream. Drinking extra water can help your kidneys work more efficiently in excreting some of the excess sodium, potentially easing the load on your system. However, it's important to note that simply chugging large quantities of water isn't a magic solution --- it should be done gradually.
Keeping your water intake at a healthy level throughout the day is generally beneficial when you've consumed a high-salt meal. That said, excessive fluid intake can also be problematic in certain situations, so it’s key to listen to your body. If you experience symptoms like extreme thirst, headaches, swelling, or any other unusual signs, it would be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Also, for future reference, managing salt intake regularly along with a balanced diet is generally the best course of action to maintain your overall health. Remember, making gradual adjustments is usually more effective than sudden changes.
chug: to drink all of something quickly without stopping
Explained by Microsoft Copilot and Edited
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
Developing State
cohort: a group of people who share a common feature or aspect of behavior
conflagration: a very large fire that destroys a lot of land or buildings
snippet: a small piece of information or news
hair-raising: extremely frightening but often exciting
footage: part of a film showing a particular event
duck-and-cover: to hide under something and cover your face and head, as a way of trying to protect yourself, for example from a nuclear explosion
overwhelming: DJ[ˋəuvəˋhwelmiŋ]
suburb: DJ[ˋsʌbə:b]
bulldoze: to destroy buildings, trees, etc. with a bulldozer
viable: that can be done; that will be successful
rarefied: understood or experienced by only a very small group of people who share a particular area of knowledge or activity
crack: a sudden loud noise
boast: to talk in a way that shows you are too proud of something that you have or can do
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
Tornado
carport: a shelter for a car, usually built next to a house and consisting of a roof supported by posts
slam: to crash into something with a lot of force; to make somebody/something crash into something with a lot of force
usher: to take or show somebody where they should go
huddle: (of people or animals) to gather closely together, usually because of cold or fear
stash: an amount of something that is kept secretly
plume: a cloud of something that rises and curves upwards in the air
confine: to keep somebody/something inside the limits of a particular activity, subject, area, etc.
splinter: (of wood, glass, stone, etc.) to break, or to make something break, into small, thin, sharp pieces
tar: a thick, sticky black liquid that becomes hard when cold. Tar is obtained from coal and is used especially in making roads.
respectable: considered by society to be acceptable, good or correct
unseemly: (of behavior, etc.) not polite or suitable for a particular situation
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
2025年6月17日星期二
Using Objects with Pointers
Dynamic memory management in C++ refers to the process of allocating and deallocating memory manually during a program’s runtime, rather than relying solely on the stack or predefined memory sizes. It gives programmers more control over how memory is used, which is especially useful when the size or number of data elements isn’t known in advance.
Before his birth
regent: a member of a governing board (as of a state university)
secretary: an official of a club, society, etc. who deals with mail, keeping records and making business arrangements
ballot: the piece of paper on which somebody marks who they are voting for
rival: a person, company or thing that competes with another in sport, business, etc.
sorority: a club for a group of women students at an American college or university
limelight: the center of public attention
imbue: to fill somebody/something with strong feelings, opinions or values
minister: a trained religious leader in some Christian churches
compel: to force somebody to do something; to make something necessary
flirt: to behave towards somebody as if you find them sexually attractive, without seriously wanting to have a relationship with them
chiseled: formed or crafted as if with a chisel
intrigued: very interested in something/somebody and wanting to know more about it/them
vibrant: full of life and energy
lure: to persuade or trick somebody to go somewhere or to do something by promising them a reward
sidewalk: a flat part at the side of a road for people to walk on
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
2025年6月16日星期一
Arrays and Pointers
Functionally, there is no difference between int* ptr and int *ptr --- both declare a pointer to an integer. The asterisk (*) binds to the variable name, not the type, so it's all about personal or stylistic preference.
無盡的知識
"The more you know, the more you don't know"
隨著知識的增長,您會意識到自己所不知道的東西更多。當你開始深入了解一個領域或知識範疇時,你會發現這個領域中的複雜性和細節遠超出你原本的想像,使你認識到自己的無知。這種現像鼓勵我們保持謙虛,並促使我們不斷學習和探索更多未知的事物。
沒有哪個人可以掌握所有知識,因為知識本身是無窮無盡的。越深入了解,就會越發感受到知識的浩瀚與廣闊,從而認識到學習的路程永遠沒有盡頭,也使我們更加珍惜每一次學習和發現的機會。
weary: very tired, especially after you have been working hard or doing something for a long time
saloon: a bar where alcoholic drinks were sold in the western US and Canada in the past
stagger: to walk with weak unsteady steps, as if you are about to fall
diversion: something that takes your attention away from somebody/something while something else is happening
wistful: thinking sadly about something that you would like to have, especially something in the past that you can no longer have
alley: DJ[ˋæli] a narrow passage behind or between buildings
prospect: to search an area for gold, minerals, oil, etc.
attribute: to say or believe that something is the result of a particular thing
axiom: a rule or principle that most people believe to be true
bygone: happening or existing a long time ago
illiterate: (of a person) not knowing how to read or write
knuckle under: (informal) to accept somebody else’s authority
stucco: a type of plaster that is used for covering ceilings and the outside walls of buildings
stained glass: pieces of colored glass that are put together to make windows showing pictures or special designs, especially in churches
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Explained by Microsoft Copilot and Edited
2025年6月15日星期日
YouTube and Dementia
目前沒有直接證據說明單純漫無目的地觀看 YouTube 會直接加劇認知障礙,但被動攝取資訊通常提供的腦部刺激較少,可能不如結構化、具有挑戰性的認知活動來得有益。長時間陷於無目的的視聽活動,可能導致大腦得不到足夠的主動參與與思考訓練,而這種情況在其他研究中常與認知功能下降有所關聯。不過,每個人的情況都不同,如果視頻內容富有啟發性、能激發思考甚至促進社交互動,則可能在一定程度上提供正面的腦部刺激。
此外,認知健康是多方面因素綜合作用的結果,如社交互動、適量運動、充足睡眠、均衡飲食等都非常重要。若長者僅依賴無目的觀看 YouTube,而忽略了其他形式的認知和身體活動,可能會使得總體生活品質及認知訓練不足。建議可以嘗試以更有目的的方式安排線上學習或興趣課程,例如觀看具備知識性或互動性質的影片,並結合線下的社交與運動活動,共同促進腦部健康。
從整體來看,關鍵並非單一行為,而是如何在日常生活中保持多元而有意識的認知活動與社交互動,這也可能對延緩認知功能衰退產生正面影響。
Pointers in C++
versatility: the ability to do many different things
In C++, nullptr is a special keyword introduced in C++11 to represent a null pointer in a type-safe way.
網約車合法化
網約車合法化後,最直接的改變是市場競爭環境會顯著改變。網約車平台通常具有使用便捷、即時預約、價格透明等優勢,能夠吸引不少希望節省時間或追求更高服務品質的消費者,從而削弱傳統的士的市場份額。
由於網約車平台多利用現代科技進行排班和路線優化,其運營成本和效率常常比傳統的士更具優勢。這可能迫使的士公司和司機在價格、服務甚至車輛管理方面做出調整,以迎合更為靈活多變的市場需求,而這種壓力有可能導致整個的士業界的利潤縮水、營運成本上升或者收益不穩。
另一方面,合法化後政府也更容易制定更加平衡的監管措施,既保護傳統的士司機的就業權益,又能鼓勵新興的科技型出行模式。這將要求監管部門在制訂政策時,既要確保市場公平競爭,又需要維護乘客和司機的安全與服務質量。整個轉變可能帶來一個更透明和多元化的交通市場,從而刺激整體服務質量的提升。
此外,面對這種新的競爭格局,傳統的士業界也有機會進行自我革新,比如引入電子排班、升級支付系統及提供更個性化的服務。這樣一來,的士和網約車服務就可能採取互補而非單純對抗的局面,最終惠及廣大市民的出行需求。
總結來看,網約車合法化將給香港的士業帶來嚴峻的市場競爭壓力,同時也提供了一個推動行業轉型及提升服務質量的契機。這一過程中,政府、傳統的士業者和新興平台必須協同發展,制定出既能保證公平競爭又能促進創新發展的監管政策,才能實現整體市場的健康運行和可持續發展。
Microsoft Copilot
Family Background
meticulous: paying careful attention to every detail
scrapbook: a book with empty pages where you can stick pictures, newspaper articles, etc.
clipping: an article or a story that you cut from a newspaper or magazine and keep
attorney: DJ[əˋtə:ni]
evolve: to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complicated form; to develop something in this way
unjust: not deserved or fair
complement: to add to something in a way that improves it or makes it more attractive
glimpse: to see somebody/something for a moment, but not very clearly
dote on: to feel and show great love for somebody, ignoring their faults
shovel: DJ[ˋʃʌvl] a tool like a spade with a long handle and a broad metal part with curved edges, used for moving earth, snow, sand, etc.
carve out: develop
fledgling: a person, an organization or a system that is new and without experience
examiner: a person who has the official duty to check that things are being done correctly and according to the rules of an organization; a person who officially examines something
wagon: a vehicle with four wheels, pulled by horses or oxen and used for carrying heavy loads
civic: connected with the people who live in a town or city
croquet: a game played on grass in which players use mallets (= sticks with a block of wood at one end) to knock wooden balls through a series of hoops (= curved wires)
shuffleboard: a game in which players use long sticks to push discs towards spaces with numbers on a board
horseshoes: a game like quoits played with horseshoes or with horseshoe-shaped pieces of metal
mainstay: a person or thing that is the most important part of something and enables it to exist or be successful
proxy for something: something that you use to represent something else that you are trying to measure or calculate
sobriety: the fact of being sensible and serious
acuity: the ability to think, see or hear clearly
valedictorian: the student who has the highest grades in a particular group of students and who gives the valedictory speech at a graduation ceremony
excel: to be very good at doing something
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
A neat story of his parents
dub: to give somebody/something a particular name, often in a humorous or critical way
humorous: funny; showing a sense of humor
grin: a wide smile
hobby horse: a toy made from a long stick that has a horse’s head at one end. Children pretend to ride on it.
metronome: a device that makes a regular sound like a clock and is used by musicians to help them keep the correct rhythm when playing a piece of music
concur: to agree
wrestle: to struggle physically to move or manage something
scuffle: to fight or struggle with each other for a short time, in a way that is not very serious
contrarian: a person who opposes or rejects popular opinion, especially in financial markets
tempestuous: full of extreme emotions
indelibly: in a way that is impossible to forget or change
unconventional: not following what is done or considered normal or acceptable by most people; different and interesting
purposeful: having a useful purpose; acting with a clear aim and with determination
philanthropic: DJ[͵filənˋθrɔpik]
veteran: a person who has a lot of experience in a particular area or activity
downside: the disadvantages or less positive aspects of something
surpass: exceed
sorority: a club for a group of women students at an American college or university
measure up: to be as good, successful, etc. as expected or needed
sidle: to walk somewhere in a shy or uncertain way, as if you do not want to be noticed
retort: to reply quickly to a comment, in an angry, offended or humorous way
golly: used to express surprise
deliberate: done on purpose rather than by accident
unapologetically: without saying or showing that you are sorry about something, even in situations in which other people might expect you to
pragmatic: solving problems in a practical and sensible way rather than by having fixed ideas or theories
gregarious: liking to be with other people
neat: good; excellent
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
2025年6月14日星期六
Arrays in C++
contiguous: touching or next to something
In C++, when you declare an array, its elements are stored contiguously in memory, meaning each element is placed right next to the previous one without gaps.
Integrity
正直意味著堅守個人的道德原則和價值觀,無論在任何情況下都保持誠實、公平與透明。在個人層面上,正直代表著對自己承諾的真誠履行,不為一時誘惑所動搖,堅持以真實的態度處理所有人際交往與事務。
在像香港這樣的商業都市,個人實踐正直可以從以下幾點出發︰
誠實無偽︰無論在工作中還是在日常生活裡,都要以真誠待人。比如,在處理交易或簽訂合約時,堅守透明溝通,不隱瞞事實,這不僅能獲得他人信任,也能為自己嬴得良好聲譽。
堅守原則︰在競爭激烈的商業環境中,可能經常遇到各種利益誘惑。保持正直意味著,即使面對巨大的壓力或短期利益誘惑,也要堅持自己的道德底線,不採取不正當手段。
以行動樹立榜樣︰一個人持續不斷地展示正直,能夠帶來積極的社會影響。無論是同事還是朋友,都會因為你的堅守信念而受到鼓舞,形成一個良性循環,使整個人際圈子更加健康、誠信。
專業與責任感︰在商業交往中,履行承諾、尊重對方,並及時、正確地處理各項責任工作,都是正直的重要體現。這樣的態度不僅有助於個人的長遠發展,也能為商業環境注入正面力量。
總之,在香港這樣一個充滿活力並且競爭激烈的城市中,個人實踐正直不僅關乎自身聲譽,更是維護社會誠信和促進公平商業環境的重要力量。正直並非一朝一夕之功,而是在日常點滴中不斷積累並持續堅守的價值。
Microsoft Copilot
Trey
The faith of Bill Gates' grandmother probably had a role in shaping her into an extremely principled person. Even back then, I could grasp that she followed a strict personal code of fairness and justice and integrity. A life well-lived meant living simply, giving your time and money to others, and, most of all, using your brain --- staying engaged with the world. She never lost her temper, never gossiped, or criticized. She was incapable of guile. Often she was the smartest person in the room, but she was careful to let others shine. She was basically a shy person, but she had an inner confidence that presented as a Zen-like calm.
此段落描述了比爾‧蓋茨奶奶如何透過信仰塑造出她堅守原則的性格。作者指出,她內心秉持公平、正義與誠信的準則,過著簡樸的生活,樂於奉獻時間和金錢幫助他人,而持續關心世界並利用自己的智慧來保持參與感。她從未失去冷靜、不閒聊、也不批評他人,誠實無偽。儘管她往往是最睿智的人,但她總是謙讓並讓別人發光發熱。總的來說,她雖然性格害羞,但擁有一種宛如禪定般的內心平靜和自信。
rival: a person, company or thing that competes with another in sport, business, etc.
at the forefront of: in or into an important or leading position in a particular group or activity
rummy: a simple card game in which players try to collect particular combinations of cards
canasta: a card game played with two packs of cards, in which players try to collect sets of cards
modest: not very large, expensive, important, etc.
war bonds: debt securities issued by a government to finance military operations
lumber mill: a place where logs are cut
lingo: a language, especially a foreign language
Go Fish is a popular children's card game where players try to collect sets of four matching cards (called "books") by asking other players if they have specific cards.
tease: to laugh at somebody and make jokes about them, either in a friendly way or in order to annoy them or make them embarrassed
devout: believing strongly in a particular religion and obeying its laws and practices
adherent: a person who supports a particular set of ideas
conviction: a strong opinion or belief
grasp: to understand something completely
gossip: to talk about other people’s private lives, often in an unkind way
guile: the use of clever but dishonest behavior in order to trick people
Zen: a Japanese form of Buddhism
stoically: without complaining about pain trouble or showing what you are feeling
funeral: DJ[ˋfju:nərəl]
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
Explained by Microsoft Copilot
2025年6月13日星期五
Pressure-flow hypothesis
Sugar produced during photosynthesis in the leaves is transported throughout the plant via the phloem. In the leaves, sucrose is actively loaded into the phloem sieve tubes, which increases the osmotic pressure inside these tubes. Water then enters by osmosis, creating a high pressure environment that drives the sugar-rich solution to areas of lower pressure, known as sinks, such as roots. This process, known as pressure-flow hypothesis, ensures that sugars are efficiently distributed to support various functions like growth, storage, and reproduction.
The difficulty in proving the pressure-flow hypothesis arises primarily from technical challenges. The phloem channels that transport sugars are extremely delicate and hard to access without disrupting their function, making direct measurements nearly impossible. Additionally, the dynamic changes in pressure and flow within the phloem occur in a living, complex system, which current imaging sensor technologies cannot monitor accurately in real time. This combination of physical inaccessibility and technological limitations means that we rely on indirect evidence and modeling rather than direct, conclusive proof.
Microsoft Copilot and Edited
phloem: DJ[ˋfləuem]
Quiz
In C++, when you divide an integer by another integer, the result is an integer due to integer division. However, when you divide by 3.0, the result is a double, because floating-point division is used instead.
C++ does not have a built-in logical XOR (^^) operator like it does for logical AND (&&) and logical OR (||).
constants
The const qualifier in C++ is used to declare variables as constant, meaning their values cannot be modified after initialization. It's a great way to enforce immutability, enhance code safety, and provide clarity.
The Beginning
That said, it was the 1970s, and attitudes toward parenting were looser than they are today. Kids generally had more freedom. And by the time I was in my early teens, my parents had accepted that I was different from many of my peers and had come to terms with the fact that I needed a certain amount of independence in making my way through the world. That acceptance had been hard-won --- especially for my mother --- but it would play a defining part in who I was to become.
作者提到,雖然那是1970年代,但當時的育兒方式比現在寬鬆,孩子們一般擁有更多自由。隨著他進入青春期,他的父母逐漸意識到他與眾不同,需要一點獨立去探索人生。這種接受並非易事,尤其對他的母親來說,但這種經歷最終深深影響了作者的成長與個性。
prologue: DJ[ˋprəulɔg] a speech, etc. at the beginning of a play, book or film that introduces it
splinter group: a small group of people that has separated from a larger one
expedition: an organized journey with a particular purpose, especially to find out about a place that is not well known
vastly: very much
wilderness: a large area of land that has never been developed or used for growing crops because it is difficult to live there
The Pacific Coast is a region in western North America that lies along the Pacific Ocean.
topographic: connected with the physical features of an area of land, especially the position of its rivers, mountains, etc.
pruney: it is used to describe skin, particularly fingers and toes, that becomes wrinkled, especially after prolonged immersion in water.
tarp (tarpaulin): a large sheet made of heavy waterproof material, used to cover things with and to keep rain off
forage: to search widely for food
undergrowth: a mass of bushes and plants that grow close together under trees in woods and forests
coax: to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort toward a desired state or activity
twig: a small, very thin branch that grows out of a larger branch on a bush or tree
chop up: to cut (something) into small pieces
omelet: a hot dish of eggs mixed together and fried, often with cheese, meat, vegetables, etc. added
pail: an open container with a handle, used for carrying or holding liquids, sand, etc.
saucepan: a deep round metal pot with a lid (= cover) and one long handle or two short handles, used for cooking things over heat
culinary: connected with cooking or food
traipse: to walk somewhere slowly when you are tired and unwilling
camaraderie: a feeling of friendship and trust among people who work or spend a lot of time together
yearning: a strong and emotional desire
transcendent: going beyond the usual limits; extremely great
mainframe computer: a large, powerful computer, usually the center of a network and shared by many users
stamina: the physical or mental strength that enables you to do something difficult for long periods of time
sophomore: a student in the second year of a course of study at a college or university
daunting: making somebody feel nervous and less confident about doing something; likely to make somebody feel this way
proposition: an idea or a plan of action that is suggested
wimp out: to not do something that you intended to do because you are too frightened or not confident enough to do it
Log shelters, often called log cabins or log houses, are structures built by stacking tree trunks or logs horizontally and interlocking them at the corners.
meadow: a field covered in grass, used especially for hay
elation: a feeling of great happiness and excitement
sway somebody: to persuade somebody to believe something or do something
miserable: DJ[ˋmizərəbl] very unhappy or uncomfortable
nascent: beginning to exist; not yet fully developed
trudge: to walk slowly or with heavy steps, because you are tired or carrying something heavy
spruce: an evergreen forest tree with leaves like needles
sleet: a mixture of rain and snow
interminable: lasting a very long time and therefore boring or annoying
gash: to make a long deep cut in something, especially a person’s skin
limp: to walk slowly or with difficulty because one leg is injured
hone: to develop and improve something, especially a skill, over a period of time
sloppy: that shows a lack of care, thought or effort
whittle: to form a piece of wood, etc. into a particular shape by cutting small pieces from it
reclaim: to get something back or to ask to have it back after it has been lost, taken away, etc.
Bill Gates "Source Code"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Explained by Microsoft Copilot
2025年6月12日星期四
Preprocessor directives
int32_t is a fixed-width integer type defined in the C++ standard libraries (specifically in <cstdint>. It represents a signed 32-bit integer, meaning it can store whole numbers from −2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.
uint32_t for unsigned 32-bit integers, which range from 0 to 4,294,967,295.
2025年6月10日星期二
Carpe diem
tribute: an act, a statement or a gift that is intended to show your love or respect, especially for a dead person
scripture: the Bible
faint: that cannot be clearly seen, heard or smelt
jet ski: a vehicle with an engine, like a motorcycle, for riding across water
intoxicated: under the influence of alcohol or drugs
multitude: an extremely large number of things or people
devote yourself to: to give most of your time, energy, attention, etc. to somebody/something
unleash: to suddenly let a strong force, emotion, etc. be felt or have an effect
overwhelm: DJ[͵əuvəˋhwelm]
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
Translated with Microsoft Copilot and Edited
2025年6月9日星期一
increment operator
Prefix (++i): Increment first, then use the value.
Postfix (i++): Use the value first, then increment
2025年6月6日星期五
Quadrant II
embody: to express or represent an idea or a quality
inferior: not good or not as good as somebody/something else
ego: your sense of your own value and importance
smash: to break something, or to be broken, violently and noisily into many pieces
minutes: a summary or record of what is said or decided at a formal meeting
proactivity: taking initiative and acting to address a situation before it becomes a problem or issue
reveal: to make something known to somebody
delegate: a person who is chosen or elected to represent the views of a group of people and vote and make decisions for them
comply: to obey a rule, an order, etc.; to meet particular standards
mentality: the particular attitude or way of thinking of a person or group
offend: to make somebody feel upset because of something you say or do that is rude or embarrassing
procrastinate: DJ[prəuˋkræstineit]
abreast: next to somebody/something and facing the same way
excerpt: a short piece of writing, music, film, etc. taken from a longer whole
persistence: the fact of continuing to try to do something despite difficulties, especially when other people are against you and think that you are being annoying or unreasonable
make headway: to make progress, especially when this is slow or difficult
preclude: to prevent something from happening or somebody from doing something; to make something impossible
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com